Now that the first round of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the primary lessons stemming from the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the last five champions all hailing from France's elite division. However, the initial stage showcased multiple statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the accomplishment now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of achieving another trophy with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
But, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with those two on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in this competition came almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The current English champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into Europe – on the back of a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They blend attacking verve – sealing the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their visitors at bay when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves throughout the team, they are surely serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase the previous year occurred in the second round, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a league trophy in their history and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
You will find quality outfits throughout the draw, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
By achieving this, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, in turn, dealt a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were surprised and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and the previous season no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff talking about their ambition, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the best bet for a South African side to go deep into the competition, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
